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Biodegradation of Polylactic Acid/Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-Terephtalate) Mulching Film Under Weathering Conditions
Summary
Researchers analyzed the degradation processes of a commercial polylactic acid/polybutylene adipate terephthalate biodegradable mulching film under outdoor weathering conditions in the South Italy Adriatic zone to assess fragmentation risks before plastic debris could reach marine environments. The study examined how weathering alters the film's physical and chemical properties and generated microplastic fragments, contributing data on the marine pollution risks of biodegradable agricultural films.
Biodegradable polymers have substituted conventional polymers in many applications for overcoming the accumulation of plastic waste and its disposal. However, many so-called biodegradable polymers still cause pollution especially in marine environment where the plastic degradation pathways could be different compared to those occurring in the land. An important source of marine plastic and microplastic pollution comes from the use of plastic in agriculture. In fact, soil plastic debris can be transported by rivers towards sea mouths, thus increasing the concerns about marine litter. The highest source of plastic pollution in agriculture derives from the use of films for mulching, greenhouses, tunnels and low tunnels. In recent years, biodegradable polymers are extensively used for mulching in agriculture, providing more benefits with respect to traditional plastic films. Thus, understanding the degradation processes of biodegradable mulching films under weathering conditions before their fragments could reach marine environment is essential to breakdown plastic pollution. This study analyzes the degradation processes of a commercial biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA)/ polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) polymer mulching film under weathering conditions occurring in the South Italy Adriatic zone.
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